Snowball Earth Anime by Studio KAI Set for 2026

Key Facts

• Snowball Earth TV anime adaptation is scheduled for 2026.
• The manga is serialized in Monthly! Spirits by Shogakukan.
• The series has over 670,000 copies in circulation as of Volume 9.
• Studio KAI will handle animation production.
• Munehisa Sakai will serve as director; character design by Toshiya Kono.

Snowball Earth, a sci-fi manga by Yuhiro Tsujitsugu currently serialized in Monthly! Spirits (Shogakukan), will receive a TV anime adaptation in 2026. Studio KAI, known for Umamusume: Pretty Derby Season 3, will produce the animation. The story follows a boy named Tetsuo and his robot companion Yukio as they confront alien monsters and return to a frozen Earth.

Studio KAI Produces 2026 TV Anime of Snowball Earth

The anime adaptation of Snowball Earth has been officially announced for a 2026 release. The project is being developed by Studio KAI, which previously worked on titles such as Umamusume: Pretty Derby Season 3. The production team includes experienced staff members from various well-known anime titles.

Munehisa Sakai, known for his work on ONE PIECE FILM STRONG WORLD and ZOMBIE LAND SAGA, will direct the anime. Takeshi Iwata will serve as assistant director, while series composition will be handled by Shigeru Murakoshi, also of ZOMBIE LAND SAGA fame. Toshiya Kono, who previously worked on monster design for Sword Art Online: Alicization, will design the characters.

Manga Series Has Surpassed 670,000 Copies

Snowball Earth began serialization in March 2021 in Monthly! Spirits, published by Shogakukan. As of the release of Volume 9 on June 30, 2025, the manga has exceeded 670,000 copies in total circulation.

The story begins with a shy boy named Tetsuo and his only friend, a giant robot named Yukio. Together, they are recognized as "saviors" who battle against galactic monsters threatening humanity. After a final battle in space, the story jumps ten years forward. Upon returning to Earth, Tetsuo discovers a planet covered in ice and snow—now known as the "Snowball Earth."

Teaser Visual and Special Illustration Revealed

Along with the announcement, a teaser visual drawn by character designer Toshiya Kono has been released. The visual shows key elements of the series and highlights the character designs for the anime.

In addition, an exclusive illustration by the original author, Yuhiro Tsujitsugu, has been unveiled to commemorate the anime adaptation. The artwork features the protagonist Tetsuo in the cockpit alongside his companion Yukio.

FAQ

Q: When will the Snowball Earth anime air?
A: The anime is scheduled to air in 2026.

Q: Who is producing the Snowball Earth anime?
A: The anime will be produced by Studio KAI.

Q: What magazine publishes the Snowball Earth manga?
A: The manga is serialized in Monthly! Spirits by Shogakukan.

Q: How many copies has the Snowball Earth manga sold?
A: As of Volume 9, the series has surpassed 670,000 copies in circulation.

Q: Who is directing the Snowball Earth anime?
A: Munehisa Sakai is directing the anime adaptation.

Source : ORICON NEWS